The tragic incident occurred just after 18:00 on Wednesday when a carriage on the famous Glória funicular in Lisbon careened off the track, crashing into a building. Eyewitness Helen Chow reported that the carriage 'lost control', descending rapidly before colliding with its side. 'It sounded like a bomb,' she stated. After the initial chaos, a heavy cloud of smoke lingered in the air. Once it cleared, the horrific scene became visible, leaving onlookers in shock.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the disaster which preliminary reports say has claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals and left around 20 more injured, with some in critical condition. Videos captured at the scene show the remnants of the yellow-and-white train against the building, as panic-stricken people fled towards safety.
The Glória funicular, operating for 140 years, uses a cable system for uphill and downhill travel. Witnesses described a horrifying moment when the lower carriage, which was ascending, was struck by the out-of-control upper carriage descending at an alarming speed. Rasha Abdo, a traveler in the lower carriage, recounted a moment of sheer panic as it became clear that brakes had failed. 'I shouted to my wife, 'we are all going to die here',' she shared.
Another witness, Marianna Figueiredo, recounted her efforts to assist when she arrived at the scene only to be met with devastating silence and the grievous sight of casualties. Local residents and community members rushed to provide aid as the emergency services were mobilized. As investigations continue, the community prepares to mourn this shocking, tragic event.
